County Records Office

County Records Offices are the most importance sources for local history.

Not only will they contain Census information and Parish BMD records but they are the official resting place of official records.

The archivists will also have negotiated to keep many other items such as old photographs, Wills , Estate Accounts , Private Letters and other papers, school records and much much more.

All County Records Office will have a catalogue which often will be online.

Most will have facilities to carry out searches for people who are unable to travel to the County Records Office.

A small fee is usually payable for this service.

Visiting a County Records Office

Check before you visit as all will have rules

Common rules include

Opening for Office hours

Users will be required to have a CARN readers card

Readers cards are available free or for a small charge - Proof of identity will be required

Cameras and laptops are banned from some CRO's and used for a fee in others

Ball point and ink pens are not allowed in the reading rooms

Users are only allowed to take pencils and paper into the reading room

Drinking and eating is prohibited in the reading rooms. Cafe facilities may exist outside.

Lockers are often provided to store other goods and coats.

Gloves may be required to handle very sensitive materials.

Practical TIP

Be focused on what you want - it is VERY easy to be sidetracked as there is so much interesting material available.